The Seagull

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Treplyov, an ambitious young dramatist and writer, tries to capture the attention of his mother, the actress Arkadina, and win the love of Nina Zarechnaya. The theatre performance of his first play, in which Nina performs, is a flop, partially owing to his mother. Treplyov is abandoned by Nina, who gets together with Arkadina’s lover, the successful writer Trigorin. Nina finally runs off with Trigorin and becomes an actress. The amorous entanglement is further compounded by the unrequited love of Masha, daughter of the landlord, for Treplyov; the love of the teacher Medvedenko for Masha; and the affection of Masha’s mother for the doctor Dorn. After two years, it appears that the characters have not been able to resolve their lives in a satisfactory manner. Masha marries Medvedenko and turns into an alcoholic; Treplyov becomes a writer yet keeps drowning in creative crises. Nina returns, meets Treplyov, who is still in love with her, but she abandons him again. Treplyov commits suicide.